Sima Li
Zigong withdrew and said to You, “May I ask if rituals are used to lead to evil and complete good?” The Master said, “Yes.” “Then what?” The Master said, “The meaning of suburban and communal sacrifices is to benevolent to ghosts and gods; the ritual of tasting the sacrifices is to benevolent to the ancestors and grandparents; the ritual of offering sacrifices is to benevolent to the dead and the dead; the ritual of shooting in the village is to benevolent to the villagers; the ritual of eating and drinking is to benevolent to guests.” The Master said, “If you understand the meaning of suburban and communal sacrifices and the ritual of tasting the sacrifices, governing the country will be as easy as pointing to the palm of your hand! Therefore, with this, the residence is well-mannered, so the elders and the younger ones are distinguished. With this, the inner chambers are well-mannered, so the three clans are harmonious. With this, the court is well-mannered, so the official ranks are well-organized. With this, the hunting is well-mannered, so the military affairs are relaxed. With this, the military is well-mannered, so the military achievements are accomplished. Therefore, the palaces are built with the right scale, the tripods are measured with the right image, the food is served at the right time, the music is played with the right rhythm, the carriages are well-mannered, the ghosts and gods are worshipped with the right style, the funerals are mournful, the arguments are well-organized, the officials are well-organized, and the government affairs are well-implemented; they are applied to the body and arranged in front of the people, so that all the actions of the people are well-organized. ”
